About the Aggies

I haven’t paid much attention to New Mexico State because it appears even New Mexico State hasn’t paid much attention in a long time.

This is the place to insert the line about respect for all opponents at all times. That’s true. I can afford to disregard the Aggies. If they spring a monumental upset when Sunday comes I’ll just be wrong. There’s precedent for that, and I’ll get over it. That type of loss would have a far more lasting effect for Ole Miss.

Like all of you reading this, and like most New Mexico State fans I suppose, I do not expect that to happen.

The Rebels have their multitude of injuries to consider, but the available players should be able to withstand this week’s opponent.

The unthinkable does happen on occasion, and the Rebels need to account for that possibility. Hopefully they have respected the week of preparation and will respect the opponent tomorrow. Failing to do so, even if you win, invites bad habits for the following week of work, and if there’s a lack of respect for next week’s opponent, Memphis, that will be dangerous. More on that next week.

If Fahn Cooper’s statement earlier this week is accurate there was a lack of respect for Florida which is unfathomable. It raises a question about work-week focus and is something to keep an eye on. Here’s what Cooper had to say regarding what he saw from his position group in getting ready for the Gators: “Some people, Florida, when we went to practicing all their stuff we didn’t think they’d be that special.”

And here’s a good read from ESPN that talks about the history of the struggling program. Many Ole Miss fans remember Joe Lee Dunn from his defensive coordinator success at Ole Miss and later at Mississippi State. He spent a little time at New Mexico State with Hal Mumme.